Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a little different from the previous model but sound just as great. They're comfy, lightweight and feature a variety of features like Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise to an ambient rumble. The 'pass-through' option allows you to hear external sounds, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They provide one of the best noise cancelling experiences we've had. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like entering a world of silence. Engine sounds as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s also stand out in the realm of audio with a wide soundstage that gives all elements of a track the space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a pleasing amount of weight and drive while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smartphone. They can detect when they are removed from the head and stop the music. They can also note that you are on a busy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancellation level.

The WH-1000XM5s are eco-friendly. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) and the headband being made of premium fabric. They come with a collapsible case that folds into itself, forming an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen to music in passive mode. The ear cups are also removable to make it easy to clean. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playing time. They are also equipped with a rapid charging system that charges twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more flexible than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with a battery that lasts for 20 hours, waterproof they are more convenient to charge, and can be used with a smartphone even if the battery is dead. This makes them a better option for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, respond to questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones have excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards but you can enjoy amazing bargains.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job of cancelling out ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there in comparison to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who like listening to music while talking with another person. They are also popular among frequent flyers and feature that classic Bose design that many people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in terms of design or comfort improvements in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancellation is a whole new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) for a new one that claims to allow it to better listen and react to ambient sound in real-time, reducing the mid- and high-frequency sound through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup record ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly amazing level of noise reduction that is able to compete with the best headphones at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control which lets you alter the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. You might, for instance prefer to listen to ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized for hands-free calls. They come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an extremely robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my tests, I found that an instant remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear as well as rough mixes and recordings from the home also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. You can alter the EQ and enjoy convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks amazing new features, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are great option if you're seeking headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation for affordable prices. They are a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with a better ANC performance and a better audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has a lighter design with a battery lasting up to 35 hours.

These headphones aren't the best suitable for those who want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups don't fold and can make them difficult to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, which is lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods but will not stand up to heavy use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is somewhat bulky, waterproof and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use and have tactile buttons that give good clicky feedback. A single touch of the power button switches ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding the button prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select an audio profile that is preset according to the type of headphones you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone's permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N is one of the most affordable headphones noise cancelling for wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. You get top ANC for the price, a lightweight design, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth a look if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are renowned for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They are great for music and calls, and their ANC technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. They also come with many features that are available on rival headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass section which can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them ideal for a range of music, even though they might sound a bit boomy for some. They have a consistent frequency response, so they sound the same regardless of what you are listening to.

We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a great job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy intro with fervor and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen, with the treble showcasing the various layered vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at bay. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with very few issues during our tests. They connect and pair quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're perfect for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't put them in water. They also come with a carry-on case that can hold two and a half batteries which is ideal for travelling.